San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-02-01
MY FRIEND EDITH.

forgotten their address, so 1 went 10
the hotel, deciding to ascertain it in
the morning. When it came l was
awOke by a numerous and noisy fami-
ly on my floor who were eager to catch
the first train. Nature had supplied
them with peculiarly penetrating
voices, and they could have hardly
made more of their feet if they had
been centipedes. Sleep being out of
question, dressed and went out. The
bright sea and sky put me in good
spirits, and the salt breeze made me
consider with some interest what
would be the incest breakfast l could
order when returned from my early
walk. l left the little town and made
my way to the grassy summit OF the
cliffs, which, slOping down from the
brink, shut out the sight of the sea
from the footpath marked at intervals
with patches of white chalk, landmarks
at night for the coast guardsmen in
their lonely rounds. How well l re-
with that strange feeling, half pleas
ure, half pain, when we scarce know
whether to smile or sigh, | advanced
to the edge of the cliff very cautiously,
just as / used to do when boy, and
looked down at the yellow beach and
sparkling sea. | was never so aston
ished in my lifel There, below the
beetling wall of dazzling white, stood
Edith Lyall and my nephew Charlie.
Their hands were clasped in each
others and they were gazing as lovers,
/ suppose, do, into each others face,
needless of the sharp eyes watching
them from above. My intrusion start
led a jackdaw from chalky Granny,
and he flew off, the sunshine cleaning
on his glossy wings, cawing clamor-
ously; but they were too intent on their
occupation to look up. BY this time
their figures were beginning to reel
and dance in the haze, seemingly to
melt away into the pebbles like
shadowy wraiths rather than head
strong young people, and L was forced
by feeling of giddiness to avert my
astonished gaze. No wonder Edith
took such interest in mel 1t did not
fondly imagined. Then wondering
what might be the most satisfactory
use of my discovery L retraced my
steps and sat on a bench on the
parade, where flight of steps was the
only means of ascent from the beach
below.
! had no need to wait long. Edith
appeared alone, Charlie, for some
diplomatic reason, suppose, had been
left behind,
She was even more astonished than
when met her at the stile.
Have you dropped from the clouds,
Mr.. Mertonp she exclaimed.
you don't look too pleased to see
me-" said l, as we shook hands.
~1'm too surprised to look glad" said
she; but am, all the same"
WAS it a troubled conscience that
called you forth so earlyP" inquired.
Il don't know if | have conscience"
she said smiling; 81 got up to bathe."
you don't look as though you had
been bathing"
81 haven't this morning."
What made you break so virtuous a
ruler Anything to do with the name
less onep"
What tease you arel"
conspiratorsp COmel on what sly er-
rand have you been this morningp'
But Edith looked at me with grave
gray eyes. and said it was time to 60 in
to breakfast, adding, IF you have
nothing else to do, perhaps you will
take us on the pier this morning"
You will be sorry to hear" said on
our way to the house, that I've heard
nothing of that scamp of a nephew of
mine, ungrateful young ruffianp
"Im sure he is not ungrateful," she
answered warmly.
why! how on earth can you know.
EdithY"
Because Pm sure he's notl'
Zone would fancy you spoke from
personal knowledge"
Il remember what you said of him
last June. What has changed your"
Il have become convinced that there
is no good in the young fellow, and I'll
do nothing for him."
Hadn't you better wait till he asks
you"
The wrath that she strove to conceal
amused me. 1t was my revenge.
you do take strange interest in
the young fellow! Enough to make the
nameless one jealous!"
Il am surprised at the change in one
] used to think so kind" said she. "The
change is not an improvement"
Her pretty face was so troubled that
! half relented.
well, it can't matter to you" / said
airily. Hes nothing to either of us,
I'll call after breakfast, and shall ex-
pect to be amused"
And l went off in my jauntiest man.
ner, leaving Edith on the steps of the
house gazing at me with wistful eyes.
Tu PpER v